Earthquake in Colombia: 18 Patients Rescued in Chocó Transferred to Antioquia, Four in Critical Condition On August 11, 2026, a powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.4 struck the department of Chocó, causing widespread damage and triggering a major rescue operation. The tremor, which originated near San José del Palmar, left hundreds injured and dozens missing. Among the casualties was Juan Antonio Galeano, a worker who died after being trapped inside his company’s building during the collapse. His last moments were captured on security footage, showing him standing in the rubble as the structure collapsed around him. The Hospital San Francisco de Asís in Quibdó became one of the main centers for treating the wounded. Despite suffering structural damage itself, the hospital continues to care for nearly 100 patients, including both adults and children. Of these, approximately 18 were transferred to Medellín, four of whom remain in critical condition due to severe injuries. Medical staff reported cases involving traumatic brain injuries, chest trauma, and hip fractures. One patient required immediate relocation to a tertiary-level facility because of the severity of her condition. Among the victims was Mateo Valencia Valencia, a minor child and son of Bahía Solano’s mayor. His name appears among those officially registered as deceased within the hospital. The hospital also recorded seven fatalities, though efforts by medical professionals have prevented further deaths. Structural concerns arose as cracks appeared in areas near the intensive care unit and operating rooms. However, experts from the Chocó Department Government assessed the situation and concluded that the conditions currently do not pose a risk requiring the institution to be declared uninhabitable. Families of the affected sought information through three large boards installed within the hospital. These boards listed names of patients admitted to emergency and inpatient units, as well as those who had succumbed to their injuries. For many families, checking these records has become a crucial part of trying to understand what happened to their loved ones. Survivors who remained hospitalized described the terrifying experience of the quake. One woman recounted how she tried to escape her home but found the door locked. She returned for shelter, only to be buried under falling debris. Two neighbors later helped her reach the hospital by taxi. She suffered a leg injury from a brick falling on her side and still struggles with sleep due to recurring memories of the disaster. Another survivor, hospitalized with a broken rib and head and shoulder trauma, described how a wall fell on her body, causing multiple injuries. The emotional toll of the disaster is evident in the accounts shared by survivors, who describe moments of fear and helplessness during the quake. In some cases, individuals were unable to flee quickly enough, leading to serious injuries or even death. In response to the crisis, medical teams and supplies continue to arrive in Quibdó. The city, known for its difficult access, has been receiving aid from volunteers and external organizations. Local leaders, including community activists and rescuers, have taken on the challenge of assisting in search and recovery operations despite the harsh conditions. Carlos Mosquera, a local leader and volunteer rescuer, described the work environment as extremely precarious, noting the lack of personnel and the poor state of the sole road connecting the area. As the situation evolves, authorities continue to update the casualty figures. According to the latest report from the National Risk Management Unit (Ungrd), the number of confirmed fatalities has risen to 241, with 3,771 injured and 9,555 homes destroyed. Over 332 people have been rescued nationwide, while 287 remain missing. Rescue teams are active in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Risaralda, with a total of 938 personnel and 44 trained dogs deployed. International assistance is expected, with teams from the United States, Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, and El Salvador already en route. El Salvador has sent food and hygiene kits to Cali, providing essential support to those affected. Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been positive developments. Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba announced that a family previously reported missing has been located safely in Quibdó. This marks a small but meaningful step toward resolving the crisis. Meanwhile, efforts continue to locate the remaining missing persons and provide adequate medical care to those injured.
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